Improvement in signal-lanterns



s. T; LIPPIN BUTT. Signal-Lanterns.

' lzP at-ented June 16, I874.

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FIG I.

WITNESSES;

INVENTORI "Z/Zwflim Unrrnn STATES PATENT OFFICE.

SHEPHERD T. LIPPlNCOTl, OF ELIZABETH, NEIV JERSEY.

IMPROVEMENT IN SlGNAL-LANTERNS.

Specification forming part 01 Letters Patent No. 152,134, dated June 16, 1874; application filed April 16, 1874.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, SHEPHERD T. LIPPIN- COTT, of Elizabeth, in the county of Union and State of New Jersey, have invented new and useful Improvements in Lanterns; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full,

clear, and exact description thereof, which will enable others skilled in the art to make and use the same.

My invention relates to that class of lanterns more particularly adapted for signal purposes, although desirable for all purposes where lanterns may be used; and it consists of an adjustable lamp, which may be suspended at any desirable point within the cylinder or transparency, which may consist of different colors divided into sections, so that the elevation or suspension of the lamp at different points within will present different-colored lights without other changes than to shift the lamp.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 represents my signal-lantern complete. Fig. 2 represent a sectional view of the same, exhibiting the details in position. Fig. 3 represents a modified form of a device for adjusting and holding the lamp in a desired position; Fig. 4, section of adjustingrod and sleeve which support the blind or shade, with the clutch attached. Fig. 5 represents a section of glass cylinder or transparency.

To enable others skilled in the art to make and use my invention, I will describe it in detail.

A, base; B, lamp; 0, quill or supports connecting the lamp and shade; D, shade; E,top, with suitable perforations for draft and escape of smoke, &c., to which the handle is usually attached; E, knob to operate a bolt, 0, which secures the elevating-rod c in position; F, handle; Gr, wire guards; H H, clutch; T, rings or cars to engage with, to draw down-or remove, the lamp. The exterior appearance is nearly the same as those of the ordinary kind, with the exception of its transparency of different colors, which may be in sections, as shown in Fig. 5, or other ways.

To prepare and finish the best transparencies, the different colors or sections should be made singly or separately, and the parts united by any of the known methods. The

drawing exhibits one mode of constructing and joining together, which is done by intersecting the edges. Plain single glass transparencies may be employed and stained in suitable colors by varnishing, or by any other means. The transparency may be secured between the top and base in the usual manner. The lamp is provided with means for adjustment, whereby it may be suspended at the points desired within the transparency-that is, when a certain light is desired, as white, red, green, 850., the lamp is suspended within at that point, surrounded with the desired color, said lamp being provided with means to confine the light within the desired space, so that only one shade of light will appear at a time.

Figs. 1 and 2 exhibit one form of construction, or means for supporting the lamp. The lamp is represented with an opening through its center, of a size sufficient to admit of a clutch attachment, H, somewhat in the form of a pair of cut nippers, each handle being hinged or pivoted at a point about one-fourth or one-third from below its upper end, or near the gripe. The part which serves as a means for attaching the clutches to may be secured to the lamp proper, or upon a quill or hollow sleeve which extends upward through the center of the lamp, which serves as a support for the top shade I). (See drawings, Fig. 2.) A shade is provided, and is arranged at a point above the lamp equal to the height of the section or space covered by a given color. (See Figs. 1 and 2.) Said shade may be made of any suitable material, although I employ sheet metal for convenience, without confining my self to any definite form, which may be suspended or fixed to the lamp by supports from the sides of the lamp at its top, or it may be attached to the center sleeve, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

WV hen constructed in accordance with the foregoing description, the opening through the center of the lamp forms a suitable aperture for draft to aid the light in burning. I also construct any details within the lantern by attaching a stem or handle to the top of the lamp of sufficient length to extend upward and through the top of said lantern within reach of the hand, so that it maybe controlled t'n reby, and held in the desirel position byv the additional aid of a swing, as shown in Fig. 2.

I would remark that metallic lamps are considered preferable, although glass maybe used. In this case a metallic rim may be adapted to partially surround the glass, for the greater convenience of attaching the shade, and the means for adjusting the lamp. No particular number of burners are essential; neither any particular kind. The usual holes at or in the top should be provided for draft, &c.,as usual. The other parts not Otherwise mentioned may be constructed in the usual manner. Any form of construction in which an adjustable lamp may be operated will serve to apply my invent-ion.

The object of my invention is obvious, as by it I am enabled to furnish a signal-light at a comparatively small expense above the ordt nary lantern; embodying all the essential elements desirable for a signal-lantern; capable of being changed from one position to another instantaneously in the hands of the operator, by the rod from above or by the lamp below.

Having thus set forth my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States, is

1. In a portable signal or lantern, the combination of a case or transparency of different colors and a lamp centrally and vertically adjustable, substantially as set forth.

2. The combination of the vertical rod and a lamp, whereby the latter may be adjusted from above or below, substantially as set forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing I have hereunto signed my name before two subscribing witnesses this the 28th day of February, A. D. 1874.

SHEPHERD T. LIPPINGOTT. [L.

*itnesses: I

JonN DANE, Jr., l\'lA.NUEL M. COOKE. 

